Aflion Panda vs. TTC Honey
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the TTC Honey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts have a multitude of options when it comes to choosing the perfect switch for their typing experience. Two popular choices in the market are the Aflion Panda and the TTC Honey. The Aflion Panda is a tactile switch that offers an unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation, making it perfect for those who value a highly tactile typing experience. Additionally, it provides a deep, thocky sound profile that adds to the overall typing satisfaction. On the other hand, the TTC Honey is a linear switch known for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a frictionless typing experience. It also features a deep and pleasant sound profile. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and TTC Honey have some similarities when it comes to their housing materials. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate lends itself to a more clear and resonant sound, making it suitable for those who prefer a distinct auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches.
However, where the Panda and Honey differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Panda features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. This can be beneficial for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Honey utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. This choice contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, similar to the effect seen in the top housing. So, while the top and bottom housings of the Honey share similar characteristics, the Panda offers a contrast with its nylon bottom housing.
When interacting with the switches, the differences in housing materials become apparent. Pressing down on the Panda switch will primarily amplify the qualities of its nylon bottom housing. The impact and sound when bottoming out will exhibit the deeper and fuller characteristics associated with nylon. Conversely, the Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing will dictate the bottom-out sound and feel. However, it should be noted that the top housing of both switches will play a significant role in the sound when a key is released. Thus, understanding the distinctions between top and bottom housing can provide users with a more informed decision when choosing between the Aflion Panda and TTC Honey.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, there are notable differences in the actuation force and bottom out force. The Aflion Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be considered medium in terms of weight. On the other hand, the TTC Honey has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Therefore, the Aflion Panda requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke, while the TTC Honey provides a lighter touch.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the TTC Honey linear switch would be a suitable choice. With its lower actuation force, it allows for smooth and effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for longer periods of typing or intense gaming sessions. On the contrary, the Aflion Panda offers a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier actuation force. This can provide a satisfying push feel for individuals who prefer a more pronounced response while typing.
It is worth noting that both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Aflion Panda being slightly heavier at 60 grams compared to the TTC Honey's 50 grams. This indicates that regardless of the actuation force, the two switches will yield similar results when fully pressed down.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the TTC Honey linear switch depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Those who appreciate a lighter touch may opt for the TTC Honey, while individuals seeking a more substantial feel may gravitate towards the Aflion Panda.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, it is clear that the Panda has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm compared to the Honey's 3.8 mm. Generally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, opting for the shorter travel distance of the Honey switch would be the better choice. On the other hand, for individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress, the Panda switch with its slightly longer travel distance would provide a sense of depth and satisfaction. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Panda has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Panda for $3.56.
The TTC Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is best described as resonant. Typing on these switches produces a higher-pitched sound profile that creates an immersive auditory experience. The sound is clean and sharp, providing a satisfying thocky echo. On the other hand, the TTC Honey linear switch is described as subdued. The sound produced by these switches is dampened, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. While they are not completely silent, they provide a pleasant and deep sound profile.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Panda is known for its accented and invigorating feel. These switches offer a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. They provide a medium tactile experience, allowing for satisfying feedback and a reactive feel. The TTC Honey linear switches, on the other hand, are known for their creamy and frictionless feel. The smooth and buttery typing experience is due to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials. These switches offer a seamless and effortless typing sensation with minimal resistance or friction.
In conclusion, the Aflion Panda tactile switch and TTC Honey linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda switch provides a resonant sound profile with a thocky echo, while the Honey switch offers a subdued sound. When it comes to feel, the Panda switch offers an accented and invigorating experience with pronounced feedback, while the Honey switch provides a creamy and frictionless feel. Choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a switch with a medium bottom out force and a hyper-tactile sensation, along with a deep thocky sound profile, the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. It offers a super responsive tactile force and a sonorous audio feedback that sets a new gold standard for those who value hypertactility. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a light bottom out force and a smooth and creamy typing experience, along with a deep and pleasant sound profile, the TTC Honey linear switch would be the ideal option. It provides a silky sensation and effortless keystrokes, making typing feel like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to your personal preference for tactile feedback and sound profile.
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